Burnout, Fast Food, and Missed Socks: Welcome to Travel Sports
If you're a parent with a child curious about joining a travel team — or already deep in the travel sports world — this post is for you. The goal isn’t to judge or discourage, but to normalize the realities that come with this lifestyle.
One of the most common things I hear from parents is how much time it all takes. Between school sports, travel teams, and weekend tournaments, it can feel like there’s barely time to breathe for either you or your kid. Youth sports in the U.S. can be intense, often starting earlier than expected. That can leave some parents feeling like their child is falling behind if they’re not already involved in travel leagues.
But here’s the truth: kids, especially those younger than middle school, are still figuring out who they are. They’re supposed to try new things, shift interests, and grow out of activities. Early specialization might seem like a head start, but it can also set the stage for burnout or shame if a child begins to struggle or loses interest. For middle schoolers, it’s tempting to focus on scholarships or future athletic success. Still, it’s important to remember that sports are just one part of their story. Kids need to know they’re more than their performance on the field or court.
If you feel like you’re running in ten directions at once, you’re not alone. Homework will be forgotten. Fast food might become a regular dinner. Laundry might pile up. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong — it just means you're human. If your kid loves what they’re doing, that’s great. If they’re exhausted or want to try something else, that’s okay too.
Supporting your child’s interests is part of parenting. So is helping them understand balance, rest, and that their worth isn’t tied to performance. They’re still just kids, and sports are still just games. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s growth, joy, and well-being.